South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has retired from international cricket after sustaining a severe eye injury in the tour match against Somerset.
The announcement was made by Proteas captain Graeme Smith, who read out a statement on behalf of the 35-year-old during the lunch break on day two at Taunton.
Boucher was struck in the eye by a bail on Monday when leg-spinner Imran Tahir bowled Gemaal Hussain. It was later confirmed he had suffered a lacerated eyeball, and he underwent emergency surgery that same evening.
On Tuesday, before play got back underway in the match, Cricket South Africa confirmed the veteran gloveman would be heading home from the tour, with the injury to be assessed again on his return to South Africa.
Sadness and pain
"It is with sadness and pain that I announce that I will not be able to play international cricket again," the statement read by Smith said.
"I prepared for this UK tour as well, if not better, than I have prepared for any tour in my career. I had never anticipated announcing my retirement now but circumstances have dictated differently.
"I have a number of thank-yous to make to people who have made significant contributions during my international career, which I will do in due course.
"For now, I would like to thank the huge number of people, many of whom are strangers, for their heartfelt support during the last 24 hours.
"I am deeply touched by all the well wishes, and I wish the team well in the UK as I head home on to a road of uncertain recovery."
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